A new tax awaits you for any trip to Thailand starting in June

Thailand has announced the introduction of a new tourist tax of 300 bahts (€8.37) that will come into effect in June 2023.

The tax, originally scheduled for January 2022 and then April 2022, was due to take effect on 1 January 2023 but was delayed to allow adjustments at airport collection points. The tax applies to foreign air travellers, regardless of visa status. Holders of work permits and border passes will not be subject to this tax, nor will Thai passport holders or citizens. It has not yet been announced how the tax will be collected for maritime or land entries.

Thai authorities have stated that funds raised will be used to support travellers involved in accidents and to develop tourist destinations as part of sustainable tourism. In particular, insurance for foreigners, valid for up to 30 days, will cover accident risks, riots, terrorist attacks and natural disasters up to 500,000 bahts (about €13,700), according to the Bangkok Post. Risks related to Covid or other diseases will not be covered by this insurance and must be taken care of by optional travel insurance purchased before departure.

The country is aiming to welcome 25 million tourists in 2023, up from 11.8 million last year. These optimistic forecasts are underpinned by the return of Chinese tourists to the international stage. Tourism spending in Thailand is expected to reach at least 2.38 billion bahts (€66 billion), according to Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. For context, the country recorded 40 million visitors in 2019, including 11 million from China.